Russia will not understand NATO: Polish FM

PR dla Zagranicy

Roberto Galea
10.02.2016 10:27

Russian reaction to strengthening NATO presence in the CEE region is to be expected, and will continue to be aggressive, said Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski ahead of a summit of ministers on Wednesday.

Witold Waszczykowski. Photo: Flickr.com/worldeconomicforum

During the meeting in Brussels, the defense ministers of NATO member states are set to adopt a document on strengthening the eastern flank of NATO, including Poland.

Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told Polish Radio that in theory, this “is a very good document, which promises the things which we want: to strengthen the eastern flank, including Poland, through the presence of military allies. [The document] must, however, be turned into concrete action, and that is what defence ministers expect,” Minister Waszczykowski said.

The Kremlin has been critical of the plans by NATO by strengthen its presence in Eastern Europe, close to its borders.

“The Russians do not understand what NATO is. The Alliance does not have any offensive doctrine,” Waszczyksowski said, adding that Russia’s reaction is to be expected, and the Kremlin will continue being aggressive.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that defence ministers are expected to agree to beef up the military alliance’s presence on its eastern flank.

Speaking in Brussels ahead of a meeting of defence ministers from NATO countries scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Stoltenberg said the officials are expected to agree on an enhanced presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, Poland’s PAP agency reported. (rg)